Gever Tulley founded Tinkering School in 2005 in order to learn how children become competent and to explore the notion that kids can build anything, and through building, learn anything. The foundation of Tinkering School is putting power-tools in the hands of 8 year-olds; using real tools and real materials to build big projects. Really big projects.
Starting with a rollercoaster in 2005 (100' of track and big enough for any of the kids or adults to ride), the kids at Tinkering School have built a 3-story 30' tall treehouse (with no permanent attachment to the tree), a rope bridge made from plastic shopping bags (strong enough to hold all 8 tinkerers - simultaneously), and any number of vehicles and boats (tested, of course, on the Pacific Ocean waters of Half Moon Bay).
Tinkering School was created as an immersive experience. Some Partner Programs are still primarily day camp or workshop-based experiences, but Tinkering School remains dedicated to a sleepover camp context for complete immersion.
For details see What is Tinkering School?
The first year-round program, Kami and her crew offer both Tinkering programs and other great activities and projects. For more information visit their website austin.tinkeringschool.com or their Facebook page facebook.com/pages/Austin-Tinkering-School/124068964288885.
Sponsored by the Arcadian Fellowship as a companion program of Arts & Ideas Sudbury School, Tinkering School Baltimore had their pilot program in 2011 and plan to expand in 2012. For more information visit their website baltimore.tinkeringschool.com or their Facebook page facebook.com/pages/Tinkering-School-Baltimore/217131411654133.
Melissa put a stake in the ground with her Facebook page: facebook.com/BuffaloWantsTinkering. And they got it! After a year of workshops, this summer there will be week-long day camp sessions. For more information visit their website buffalo.tinkeringschool.com.
Dustin and his cohorts have secured a 100+ acre farm in central Illinois for their overnight camp this summer - we're all jealous! Find out more on their website chicago.tinkeringschool.com. You can also catch them at Chicago Children's Museum, where Dustin works.
Located in West Los Angeles, the reDiscover Center has a wealth of in-school, afterschool and weekend workshops. In the summer Mary Beth expands their offering to include Tinkering School sessions. Check out their website rediscover.tinkeringschool.com and their Facebook page facebook.com/pages/ReDiscover-Center/94832221306.